Question re reading strategies

elmaelt

My husband who has been diagnosed with Lewy Body & Mixed Dementia in 2020, but I believe has had the dementia even 7-10 years prior, does the following to a book that he reads.  When asked what he was reading about, he can't really accurately say, but is good in making up a story.  Look at what he does to page of a book he reads.  I am just really curious what happens cognitively to make him mark up the page the way he does.  What thought processes are at work here ?

terei

Personally, I finally decided (when my mom had AZ) that it was not a good use of my time trying to ‘figure out’ why mom mom did things.   The brain is being destroyed  + I think many times there is nothing that can be determined that is a ‘reason’ other than that.

One of the things she did that really astounded me was that she could read the written word on a poster or a sign, but had no idea what it meant.  How do you figure that out?  You could wonder about it forever with no answer

Rescue mom

Losing the ability to understand, or comprehend, what they read is very common, and usually happens pretty early. It was hard for me to get my head around how my DH could read something out loud, yet had no idea what it meant, or remember what he read 5 minutes later.

But I don’t think anyone can say what his “thought processes” are with such markings. He may just be doodling, he may like the colors, or just “fidgeting” with pencils?? A lot of PWDs like “playing” with markers. But any specific meaning or process…IMO, that’s getting into brain details I don’t think we know yet.

Yes to what Terei wrote at the same time.

We can help each other now by sharing solutions or ways to deal with problem behaviors, or offer each other support and understanding. But figuring out “why” they do these things is usually unanswerable, except that their brain is broken.

dayn2nite2

I wouldn't try to figure out what he's doing with the books, but I definitely might get some markers and some drawing paper and see what he comes up with.  That definitely might spark some conversation and a window into what's on his mind.  Could be an interesting activity that he can work on independently and you can ask him about his creation when he's done.

elmaelt

Thank you, Terei -- I definitely can use this reminder to STOP trying to figure things out ! My husband can still speak French and Spanish, but like in English, the ideas he expresses are often off-target.  I hope that someday research will have an answer and find a way to "untangle" this disease.  Thank you again......

elmaelt

Thank you, too, Rescue Mom -- The idea about color markers explains something to me -- my husband always carries with him all these different colored pens !  Thank you -- yes, Terei is right -- I just need to stop trying to explain anything to myself about my husband's behavior.  

elmaelt

Thank you, DayNNite2 -  super idea -- will try that rather than try to figure out what is going in his head !  

zauberflote

Hi elmaelt and welcome to this club you never wanted to be in! Glad you are here, sorry you have to be  

I am one who did spend time trying to figure out why Mom did at least some of  the things she did. It could help me plan her care. Why does she jump 6" and look terrified when someone puts a hand on her from behind? Exaggerated startle response, come around front and speak before touching. Why is she screaming bloody murder when being showered? It's noisy, cold, unexpected, the water may feel hurtful-- all in all, sensory overload and inability to process. Solution-- it's probably time to start bed baths. Those are a couple of very practical examples. Also, my brain just works that way...

I really looks to me like your DH is interacting with the book and writing in a way he learned at school. So perhaps this is a familiar task, "doing homework" or such, and he enjoyed it. If it entertained him, that's a plus for both of you.

elmaelt

Thank you, Zauberflote !  That's exactly it -- knowing why they do things helps us find coping solutions !  And, I think you're on to something there about homework ; he might be reverting to childhood reading strategies that worked for him as a kid, and it's comforting to him !!! Thank you !  And my wishes for "good days" for you, as well --

mommyandme (m&m)

To me it looks like some sort of organization effort.  But like others said “does it really matter?” 

At least he’s spending time that’s not disruptive or unhealthy. I wish my mom was using a writing utensil. 

Thank you for sharing!